Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement of a specialized Makhana Board in the Union Budget 2025 was a groundbreaking move. This project aims to modernize Bihar’s key makhana (foxnut) business by increasing output, improving processing, and strengthening marketing plans to meet rising global demand for this highly valued superfood.
Makhana, India’s largest producer, is gaining popularity around the world due to its superior nutritional value. Creating a specialized Makhana Board seeks to empower producers and business owners by providing them with the resources they require to boost output and market reach.
Game Changer for the Makhana Business of Bihar
Almost 90% of the global Makhana supply comes from Bihar. Once a handicap for traditional farming, the often inundated parts of the state have turned out to be an asset for Makhana cultivation. Doubling yields and boosting the edible seed ratio from 40 % to 60%, the introduction of the &’Sabour Makhana-1&039; variety has even more transformed the field.
Nearly three times higher than rice farming, this progress has nearly tripled farmer’s income and makes Makhana a desirable second crop.
Regarding Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath among others in the field have found the news to bequite good. Last month, Kamath pointed out Makhana’s great possibilities on social media, saying, “Maybe room here to create a rather big brand, an Indian brand that sells on the world. Personally, I can’t get enough of Makhana.”& Kamath had earlier published infographics on its market potential and health advantages, further solidifying its status as a superfood.
Maybe room here to build a really large brand, an Indian brand that sells to the world.
Personally, I’m hooked on Makhana. pic.twitter.com/eu5yK804Ny
— Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio) January 17, 2025
Attribute of High Nutritional Value
Makhana’s high nutrient content is a major factor contributing to their increasing market worth. High in protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, and calcium but low in calories and fat, it is becoming popular among health-aware customers. Its claimed advantages for weight loss, diabetes control, and heart health have also helped to drive its popularity.
India’s concerted initiatives to support the Makhana sector via this strategy could help the country to lead the world superfood market with international rates running up to ₹13,000 per kg.
